June 3, 2006

By Tom Wier

The Cle Elum River was high for the best attended wildwater race in the Northwest this year. Fifteen competitors from as far as Montana gathered to race on the record high water. What normally is a shallow class II classic course became four miles of constant waves and boils. The sprint has only been raced in the past few years, and took place on the slalom course rapid at Salmon Le Sac campground, just outside of Roslyn, Washington. This year was the 44 th annual Washington Kayak Club Salmon la Sac race, previously called the Bottoms-Up Regatta. The Downriver racers were competing for the coveted Ray G. Barker Challenge traveling trophy, given to the fastest boater each year starting in 1968. Five previous winners were at the race, setting the stage for great competition: Ted Young, John Day, Eric Young, Jennie Goldberg, Boo Turner, and Brendan MacLean.

Seven boats competed in the sprint. Jennie Goldberg’s first run was slow after a near race-ending mistake, but she came back with blistering speed in the second run to win the women’s kayak class just ahead of newcomer Arin Lucareli. Rodney Rice won the men’s kayak over Doug Ritchie by less than two seconds, showing his marked improvement since team trials. Tom Wier was the lone C-1, finishing 9.47 seconds and 6.5% behind Rodney.

The classic drew much more competition. Boo Turner won the women’s kayak over Jennie Goldberg by only 13 seconds. Arin Lucareli finished a strong third, only two minutes back in her first downriver race. Rodney Rice showcased his speed again, coming in first by over 10 seconds. Doug Ritchie was second, and previous winner Brendan MacLean held onto third after spinning out half way down the course. Other past winners, Eric Young and John Day, finished 4 th and 5 th, respectively. Tom Wier finished fourth overall, and 5.33% behind Rodney, to lead the canoe classes.

Thanks to our race organizers and timing volunteers. We hope to see another great race next year!